Periods, also known as menstruation, are a normal and natural part of life.
A period means the blood that comes from inside your body through an opening between your legs (your vagina). It usually happens once a month and is a normal part of your body’s way to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy.
The blood that comes out is healthy blood and a period usually lasts between 3-7 days.
The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, but each person’s cycle is different and can also change over time across different times in your life.
Each month, during the menstrual cycle, our bodies prepare us for possible pregnancy. This is when an egg from the ovaries travels down the fallopian tubes to our uterus. The uterus is where a pregnancy will grow if a person becomes pregnant. Each month the uterus becomes lined with blood to help the possible pregnancy.
If you are not pregnant, hormones cause your uterus lining to shed and flow out of your vagina. This is the start of your period.
In Australia, your first period, called menarche, usually arrives from ages 12 and 13, however this varies between people. It can arrive as early as 9 years of age and arrive as late as 16. It usually happens when you have had other changes to your body, which can also be known as signs of puberty, including breast growing and hair starting to grow in new places like the underarms and pubic areas.
Before getting a period, many people can experience emotional and physical symptoms before starting their period. Premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, can cause symptoms for 1-2 weeks before your period. Usually, a person might experience 1-2 symptoms including:
These symptoms usually stop when the period begins.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more serious form for PMS and involves severe symptoms that stop you from doing things you normally do. Symptoms can include:
If you find that you are experiencing signs of PMDD, you should consult a doctor or health professional.
Your period may last between 3 and 7 days, however most people lose less than 80ML of blood in total. It is likely you will have heavier flow at the start of your period, and lighter toward the other end.
You are likely to see colour changes from dark brown to bright red.
If you find small blood clots, these are normal. However, if you find clots are becoming more frequent or are larger than a 50-cent coin, you should talk to your doctor.
When you first start your period, your symptoms, including bleeding, may change month to month. This is normal as your body adjusts to the changes in puberty, however these usually settle down after 6 months.
Your last period, also known as menopause, will likely happen in your late 40’s or early 50’s.
Regular periods are a sign that your body is working normally. You should have regular periods unless you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postmenopausal, or have a medical condition that causes your periods to stop. Irregular, painful, or heavy periods may be signs of a serious health problems. Visit a local health service or your doctor to work with you to identify the reasons for irregular periods.
Period pain is when your uterus muscles tighten, and you may experience cramping or heaviness in the pelvic area, lower back stomach or legs.
Period pain is normal if:
Period pain is not normal if it is stopping you from going to work, school or other normal activities. You can complete a period pain assessment on the Canberra Health Services website.
If you find that you cannot go about your normal activities, you should speak with your doctor or health professional.
You can find out more at Health Direct.
Period products will absorb or capture blood during your period. There are many types of period products available including pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear. It is important to use what you are comfortable with, and what works with your body. You may need to try a variety of products or brands before you find something that you like.
Disposable Pads and Tampons
Sanitary pads or tampons are used to absorb the menstrual flow. Both pads and tampons need to be changed regularly (at least every four hours). This is very important as using tampons has been associated with an increased risk of a rare illness called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). To reduce risk, make sure you are regularly changing your tampon and consider using a pad overnight.
Free Period Products
The ACT Government provides free disposable pads and tampons, at a number of public locations in the ACT. They also provide products for students in more than 30 ACT public schools involved in the pilot including primary, high school and colleges. This was introduced under the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act passed by the ACT Government in 2023 and made the ACT the first jurisdiction in Australia to provide free menstrual products.
For more information visit the ACT Government website.
Reusable Options
Period underwear have many layers which are designed to wick away moisture and absorb your period. They are usually thicker than normal underwear, and have different absorbency levels like pads.
Menstrual cups or discs are small, flexible devices that are inserted into the vagina to collect blood. They are usually made from rubber or silicone. While they can be used for a longer time than tampons and pad (8-12 hours), correctly inserting them can require a bit more trail and error.
For more information on different period products, you can visit :
Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but serious infection caused by bacteria, which is associated with the use of tampons. The symptoms of TSS include sudden high temperature (40 degrees or above), diahorrea, vomiting, dizziness, muscles aches, confusion and sunburn like rash. If you think you have TSS, you need to go to the hospital immediately.
For more information, please visit Health Direct.
A healthy lifestyle can help regulate your periods, and reduce your symptoms. This includes:
You may find that leading up to, or during your period, you may need additional self-care. This can include:
Heavy bleeding is when you have excessive bleeding that interferes with your physical, social or emotional quality of life. This looks different between people but can include symptoms like:
Heavy periods can impact on your iron level and red blood cells or be a sign of an underlying condition. If you are also feeling weak or dizzy, tire more easily, or are short of breath with chest pains, you need to make an appointment to see a doctor or health professional.
You should see a doctor if you feel something may not be right your menstrual cycle.
You should seek medical advice if:
It is important your doctor takes your concerns seriously. If you feel that your doctor isn’t taking the time to understand your concerns, you should consider finding a doctor who has an interest in women’s health.
The best way to advocate for yourself in an appointment is to make sure that you are prepared. Importantly, you should make sure that you are presenting your symptoms exactly as they are impacting you.
You may also want to:
Health Direct has a Question Builder which you can use to prepare for your appointment.
